When a child doesn’t like to brush their teeth, it can turn into a daily battle that you both end up dreading.
But, we’ve got 6 tips that can help your child learn to tolerate and maybe even enjoy this necessary daily activity.
Stand behind them
This might sound strange, but you can wrangle your child better if you stand behind and lean around them to brush their teeth. More importantly, it gives kids a sense of security when they can lean back into you if the sensations of tooth brushing cause them irritation.
Sing
Pick a simple nursery rhyme to use every time you brush your child’s teeth. It could be “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “I’m a Little Teapot” song. It doesn’t matter as long as it isn’t too long. The first couple times you sing it won’t help much, but as you consistently sing the song every time your child brushes their teeth, they’ll begin to learn how much longer they have to endure the tooth brushing. When the song ends, so does getting their teeth getting brushed.
For older children, you can use toothbrushes with timers built into them or a sand timer that you sit on the bathroom sink for them to watch.
Stand in front of the mirror
Position your child in front of the mirror when you brush their teeth. Grab a step stool if you need to! When your child can see what you’re doing, instead of blindly feeling the sensations, it can help them tolerate getting their teeth brushed.
Modeling
While most dentists recommend parents brushing their kids teeth until at least age 6 (some recommendations say age 9-10), giving kids the wheel can be helpful way to begin tooth brushing. They’re in control, which toddlers love. And, for the kids with sensitivities, they can tolerate the sensations better. Just make sure you brush their teeth well after they’ve “practiced”.
Hold a toy
Holding a toy, particularity a stuffed animal they can squeeze, will also give your child some calming deep pressure and tactile sensations. This can also become part of your routine. They could even have a special tooth brushing stuffed animal that stays under the bathroom sink!
Make a routine
Make it to suit you and your child’s needs. But, be consistent. When your child knows what to expect, they’ll be much more compliant. For children that aren’t verbal or have special needs, a visual schedule can help them understand the steps in the routine.
It is recommended that you bring children with you to the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears so they can get used to the dental environment. Call Valley Dental Practice on 01255 220322 to book an appointment today.
